finding joy in domesticity


I've always loved home decor and baking cookies. My mom taught me how to cook at an early age and I've taken care of myself for a long time. My domestic skills are by no means lacking, but lately things like cooking and gardening have taken on new meaning for me. Owning a home and being in a committed relationship will do that to you I guess.

I've traded In Style for Better Homes & Gardens and Trader Joe's frozen meals for cookbooks. Now I find places like Bed, Bath, & Beyond and The Home Depot exciting. I never understood the appeal of Bed, Bath & Beyond and why so many engaged couples register there. Now I get it--they have everything. And for couples like us who love to cook together, you really can find any kind of kitchen tool you need, and then some. The thought of owning a nice knife set and high quality pans makes me more thrilled than I would have ever anticipated.

As far as gardening goes, it's always been my mom's thing. As a kid I hated being dragged to the store to get flowers or dirt. While I don't think gardening will ever be for me the passion it is for my mom, I have to admit that I'm actually starting to like it. I can't wait to see what bounty our garden produces this season. I actually read the gardening articles in Better Homes & Garden and have several gardening books on my wishlist. My thumb may not be very green yet but I'll get there. Slowly, but surely.

Even though we don't live together yet, being in the same city allows Dale and I many opportunities to practice sharing the load and start building our home together. Every day life can get tedious and messy. Taking care of a home, each other, and yourself is a lot of work. But when you have someone to love who loves you back, everything--even the mundane and really hard stuff--is better.

I know things like meal planning and grocery shopping together will probably not always be as fun or exciting as they are now, but I do believe we can find happiness doing ordinary tasks. There is real joy in making a home and life together.

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